The Karaganda region stands as one of Kazakhstan’s most heavily polluted areas, accounting for a significant 21% of the nation’s total emissions, equating to over 450 thousand tons of detrimental substances. This concerning statistic was shared by the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources during a community meeting in the region, as reported by Khabar 24.
Mansur Oshurbaev revealed that the “Zhasyl Kazakhstan” national initiative is actively underway across three major enterprises within the region. The primary objective of this initiative is the reduction of air pollution. According to the deputy minister, the Temirtau Iron and Steel Works is targeting a substantial 60% decrease in emissions by 2025, while the Balkhash copper smelter aims for a 44% reduction, and the Karaganda thermal power plants strive for a 10% decrease.
The prominent contributors to the atmospheric pollution are ArcelorMittal Temirtau and Kazakhmys. As the year concludes, Kazakhmys is on track to finalize the construction of a sulfuric acid plant. This crucial project is projected to curtail emissions into the atmosphere by 50% by 2025. This development addresses a significant concern for many residents of the Balkhash city.
